With the right agent, it’s still possible to find an affordable home.
Right now, analysts are predicting that 30-year fixed mortgage rates will remain as they are, hovering between 6% and 7% for the next two years. While this can be disheartening news for potential homebuyers, finding an affordable home, even in the face of these interest rates, is still possible with the right agent. If you’re in the market for a new home, consider these expert tips from Address USA.As mortgage rates remain stagnant, here’s what hopeful homebuyers should know.
Major industry organizations, including the Mortgage Bankers Association, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, expect mortgage rates to close in 2025 at about 6.5% or so. As of March 2025, mortgage rates have rested between 6% and 7% for months, and analysts expect them to remain in that range for the next two years. While that forecast may be disappointing for buyers hoping for a return to rock-bottom mortgage rates, it’s still possible to find an affordable home with the right agent.
Experienced real estate agents have seen the housing market cycle up and back down again, and they are well prepared to help their clients navigate an elevated interest rate environment. In fact, hiring an expert agent is one of the best ways to find a home that fits your budget and lifestyle without overpaying. The key is to focus on aspects beyond the mortgage rate.
For example, a home’s price, size, location and features can make a difference in terms of overall affordability. But, so can the negotiation process, including down payment assistance, seller concessions and other contractual factors. Hiring a real estate agent who knows how to develop the best strategy for each client can ensure you get the right home at the right price.
“An agent can’t buy expertise and real market knowledge – its why automatic home value computer programs are so inaccurate,” explained Paul Huntsmen, president of AddressUSA. “Deep market understanding requires time in and around the homes of an area. Actual expertise requires many professional successes and failures to make sure a client gets meaningful and beneficial guidance from working with an agent.”
Here are the most effective ways that a real estate agent can help guide your search for an affordable home:
- Market knowledge: An expert agent knows your market well and can help you identify homes that are attractively priced compared to their value.
- Advanced access: They also have the most comprehensive access to the Multiple Listing Service and may even be able to connect you with off-market listings.
- Due diligence: Experienced agents are better able to perform the necessary due diligence that helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Contract negotiations: Your buyer’s agent is your representative during the process of negotiating the deal, helping you make the best offer possible to secure a home at the best price. They work on your behalf to make sure the deal is a good one.
- Managing expectations: Agents can help you manage your expectations appropriately, thanks to their familiarity with the local market. This can help you make smarter decisions during the homebuying process, such as when to include or remove a particular contingency in your contract or how to price your offer for the best chance of success.
- Financial information: Finally, a real estate agent who is knowledgeable and extremely competent will be able to help you plan appropriately for the many stages between making an offer and closing, including title searches, appraisal and various inspections.
When seeking a real estate agent to help you in your homebuying journey, look for one who has a proven track record of helping buyers like you, whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned homeowner.
“Remember an agent doesn’t tell what to like or want – you do,” said Huntsmen. “They are with you to discuss value and, especially for a first-time buyer, manage the whole complicated process so that you move into your new place feeling good about everything that was involved.”
Some other factors to consider when searching for an agent:
- Referrals: Seeking referrals from friends and family members who you trust is a great way to find a reliable agent. If an agent has many satisfied clients, you can expect them to be a good fit for achieving your goals.
- Communication preference: When chatting with a potential agent, make sure to discuss their preferred communication style and platform. Ask questions like how responsive will they be? Can you reach them by phone, text, email or in person? Are there times when they won’t be available? Make sure you’re both comfortable and compatible so you can avoid miscommunications down the line.
- Years of experience: While there are plenty of high-performing agents who are relatively new to their market, you may find that agents with deeper experience are better to help you find the right home.
- Tactics and approach: Another factor to consider is their approach to looking for a new home and your own, are they aggressively hunting for options or more wait and see? Even if an agent is highly regarded and deeply experienced, they might not be the right fit for you. In this case, it may be worth looking for an agent who’s more closely aligned with your goals.
Visit AddressUSA.com to start working with a seasoned agent today.
Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
